Black Goji Berry (Lycium ruthenicum)
Regular price $24.95For the horticultural road less traveled, you can take a swing at growing Black Goji Berry, or Lycium ruthenicum. Originally discovered in the higher inner Himalayas, Lycium ruthenicum holds a storied past as an ancient medicinal fruit, which is still cultivated for its benefits in traditional medicine practices. It makes a strong case for its potential healing powers, as a plant that thrives in dry climates, with a good hardiness against cold conditions.
As Lycium ruthenicum matures, its growth pattern will emerge with copious branches stemming from the original plant, flowering in the spring, and fruiting in the late summer. It fruits with purple-black berries to be eaten raw, cooked, or dried into teas and tisanes.
Growing Tips
Plant Goji Berry in a location with plenty of sunlight and provide well-draining soil. This hardy, drought-tolerant shrub is adaptable to a variety of climates and soil types. Its long, arching branches have a sprawling growth habit and can be trained along a trellis for a more structured form or left to grow freely. Harvest the bright red berries when fully ripe and enjoy them fresh, dried, or incorporated into teas, smoothies, and recipes.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Lycium barbarum |
| Common Names | Red Goji Berry, Black Goji Berry Wolfberry, Matrimony Vine |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Origin | Asia (China, Tibet) |
| Plant Type | Perennial Fruiting Shrub |
| Life Cycle | Evergreen or Deciduous, depending on conditions |
| Harvest Season | Summer, Fall |
| Mature Size | 3–6 ft. |
| Soil & Moisture | Rich, moist, well-draining soil. Mature plants have good drought tolerance, but irrigation may increase yields. Adaptable to Mediterranean, subtropical, tropical, and temperate climates |
| Light Requirements | Full Sun, Part Shade |
| Self-Fertile | Yes |
| Growth Rate | Medium |
| Zone Hardiness | Outdoors 3–10; Patio/Greenhouse 4+ |
| Propagation | Red Goji Berry is grown from tissue culture and capable of fruiting within 2 years. Black Goji Berry is grown from seed and capable of fruiting within 2 years. |
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